The National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) is designed to meet the needs of those who are experiencing harm from gambling.
The Network (previously National Gambling Treatment Network or NGTS) is funded by GambleAware, Great Britain’s leading commissioner for the reduction of gambling harm. NGTS is made up of a diverse group of treatment providers with a specific focus on early intervention and a regional-first approach. Part of the new service includes improved referral routes, allowing local providers to triage individuals into the treatment service that is right and appropriate for them.
GambleAware has developed a comprehensive partnership of treatment and support providers during a robust process that has built on extensive engagement. The National Gambling Support Network’s treatment providers offer free confidential support, without judgment, for anyone experiencing problems from gambling, as well as those affected by someone else’s gambling.
GambleAware commissioned the Network to meet the growing and changing needs of those at risk of gambling harms in Great Britain to help prevent escalation of harms and support required which, in turn, will help relieve pressure on the National Health Service.
The transformation of early-intervention, support, and treatment services will lead to several long-term benefits for the gambling-harms sector by creating the conditions and incentives for providers to innovate and deliver cost-effective high-quality outcomes for service users.
An initial call to the National Gambling Helpline will prompt staff to direct those in need of support to their local treatment provider. At this stage, local providers will conduct an assessment and refer individuals into the best treatment or support option for their needs.
Anna Hargrave, GambleAware chief commissioning officer, said, “The NGSN is built on strong foundations and brings together a network of excellent regional providers who are strong agents of change working to meet people’s needs. By broadening our reach at a local level and engaging with local authorities or the criminal-justice sector, for example, means we can further help those experiencing harm from gambling.”
The involvement of people with lived experience of gambling harms has been central to the design of the new NGSN. The views of those from this community will be integral in shaping how the network operates in the future, to ensure it continues to meet the needs of those experiencing the same challenges.
A recovered problem gambler, Wayne, said, “Gambling harms can affect anyone. This is why it is so important that the treatment and support services available for people are as accessible, proactive, and representative as possible. The design of the new National Gambling Support Network means those who are experiencing gambling harm can access specialist, tailored treatment or support, dependent on their needs, quickly and efficiently, wherever they are in Great Britain.”
